Posterior Superior Mesenteric Artery First Dissection Versus Classical Approach in Pancreaticoduodenectomy: Outcomes of a Case-Matched Study.

OBJECTIVES: Posterior superior mesenteric artery (SMA) first dissection in pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) may allow for early assessment of resectability and aberrant anatomy. Study objectives were to compare resection margins, perioperative outcomes, disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients undergoing a posterior SMA first dissection PD to a classical technique PD.

METHODS: Patients (n = 77) who underwent a posterior SMA first PD for adenocarcinoma were case matched for patient and tumor characteristics with patients undergoing a classical approach PD from 2006 to 2014 (n = 177).

RESULTS: The SMA first patients had an improved negative resection margin rate (27 [35.1%] vs 14 [18.2%], P = 0.042) and a higher lymph node yield (median 28 [22-34] vs 21 [17-27], P < 0.001) compared with the classical approach group. No difference was demonstrated in serious complications or 30-day mortality between the SMA first and classical approach patients (Clavien-Dindo 3/4 16 [20.8%] vs 11 [14.3%], P = 0.336; 30-day mortality 3 [3.9%] vs 3 [3.9%], P = 1.00 respectively). Median DFS and OS was similar in SMA first compared with classical approach patients (DFS, 1.6 vs 1.1 years, P = 0.122; OS, 2.5 vs 1.5 years, P = 0.220 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS: A posterior SMA first approach is a comparably safe technique that may improve oncological results in PD compared with classical approach dissection.